PLTS–Who We Are

Who We Are

We are one of eight seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a founding member of the Graduate Theological Union. We provide theological education for the training of clergy and lay leaders. We offer ordination, non-ordination, and research level degrees and certificates. Also, we are partners with Luther Seminary in the Western Mission Cluster.

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary develops leaders for the church by: deepening faith in Christ; expanding the heart; challenging the mind; and energizing for mission.

Berkeley, California
Only Lutheran seminary in the western half of the United States
Covering 13 states, our territory of service includes nearly two-thirds of the country

Consortium of nine seminaries and nine research centers in partnership with the University of California, Berkley
Our students enjoy cross registration privileges at other GTU schools and at the University of California, Berkeley.
We are an active member of the common GTU M.A. and Ph.D. programs
The GTU offers concentrations in 13 areas of study: Art and Religion, Biblical Studies, Christian Spirituality, Cultural and Historical Studies of Religions, Ethics and Social Theory, History, Homiletics, Interdisciplinary Studies, Jewish Studies, Liturgical Studies, Near Eastern Religions, Religion and Psychology, Systematic and Philosophical Theology

Partnership with Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota
To strengthen leadership education across the West
For ministry candidates, pastors, lay rostered leaders, and the whole people of God
Networked with colleges, lifelong learning centers, and teaching congregations

Nine retreat-like acres on the 1,000-foot crest of the Berkeley Hills
Overlooking Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay to the west, vast regional park to the east
A visionary Master Plan for the future

Master of Divinity (M.Div.): Four year program of preparation for ordination, includes one year of internship.
Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.): Two year program of graduate theological study for a wide range of personal and professional purposes.
Master of Christian Ministry (M.C.M.): Two year program for diaconal and lay ministries, includes field experience.
Master of Arts (M.A.): Granted by PLTS and the GTU
Doctor of Philosophy: Granted by GTU and the University of California, Berkeley.
Certificate of Theological Studies (C.T.S.): One year individualized program for lay church occupations or life enrichment.
Certificate of Advanced Theological Study (C.A.T.S.): An individualized program beyond the M.Div. or other professional degree in ministry.
Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (T.E.E.M.) Certificate: Three year program leading to ordained ministry, involving distance education and intensive short courses at the seminary.

To learn more about our programs click over to the Programs and Application section of our site here.